1976 Barbara Roberts to Roberts Family

Barbara Roberts Letter to Kelyn, Ruth, and Alicia, at 2421 Third St., Santa Monica, Oct. 11, 12, 1976, 2 pp.

From: Roberts; 1038 Kenowa SW; Gr. Rapds. MI; 49504; Postmarked Grand Rapids, MI 495; To: Kelyn Roberts; Ruth Weisberg; Alicia Weisberg-Roberts; 2421 3rd St.; Santa Monica, CA; 90405; The letter is one and one half sides, single-spaced, typed [not word processed]] Oct. 11, 1976; 

     I love it!

     It looks expansive and jolly, friendly yet dignified. I can see you three waving goodbye to countless friends . . . the same ones, who will be attracted over and over again to the kind of home you’ve always had. 

     We’ve wondered how the moving was accomplished, how details were settled . . . the gas, etc. . . . the trauma you referred to in the letter . . . how Alicia responded . . . the cat and you? How did you sleep the first night there? Are you aware of the ocean? Does the sun demand curtains?

     Some weeks ago R. asked for official word from the GM computer about his retirement benefits . . . upon my urging and, perhaps, because of what is happening to our friends. This week John Brewer, after two mysterious collapses and much testing, underwent a triple bypass heart operation, and while it seems to have been successful, he knows his life style must be changed considerably. 

     The day we returned from our trip to Edmonton Dr. Stoneman shot himself in the mouth with his favorite collector’s pistol . . . This is related to the strangest compulsion I’ve been feeling for days, Kelyn, to give you a progress report. Irrational, I know, but the conversation goes on in my mind. I’ve explored why I don’t feel it necessary to report to Anne, Ross and Laura, realized that such thoughts agitate around Richmond’s and my birthdays, and waited to see if they would end. 

     Some of the thoughts were seeded in the mountains . . . on the trip, when I walked 8 miles up and down in the mountains at Lake Louise, climbed another demainding ridge, from where I truly saw the Ultimate of white glacier, white clouds, mountain flowers, mountain goats and no roads or other man signs, and another 10 mile hike in a soggy bird sanctuary near Edmonton.

     Oct. 12 . . . Interrupted by a birthday party planned by R . . .In my mind this morning is the dawn’s you-know-what on every nuance of Michigan’s fall colors. The leaves are falling, the geese are flying south, the squirrels are carrying away R.’s walnuts . . . “I have seen the morning shine.”

     I liked Kukla’s [Alicia Weisberg-Roberts] Minnie Mouse story!!! and wish I could hear it in person. “In person” is one of the benefits I hope might come if R. retires. 

     One of our  first . . . our very first extended trip, I hope, would be in your area, where we could stay in our own motor home but see you all frequently. If no good retirement word come soon I hope we could find a convenient time of you it the late winter or very early spring.                                                                                                                                                   

     October 31 we are going to Ross’ for five days, but ruled out a trip to LA because of R.’s limited time and your getting settled.  After the New Year, R. again has more vacation time. 

     [Side two] Did your parents come out to the wedding in September, Ruth? I like the brochure announcing your Arizona show . . . your picture. Do you have a date for the Ann Arbor show?  I do wish you could all come for your  “refreshment of winter.”

     On our trip I looked for the issue of Science which had the article on Mars.  I’ll go to the college library. Since returning  I’ve had much to do at the day care center because many of our staff have been ill with a flu and the volunteer work at the  Social Service has been interesting.

     I liked the sketch of your kitchen. How large an area is it? Where is Alicia’s room?

     To be continued. 

     You are in our thoughts and we wish we could have been of help in moving! 

     Love, Barbara Roberts [B.]

(Back to 1976)


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

 Kelyn Roberts 2017